Head Coach of Rivers United, Evans Ogenyi, on Sunday lamented his side’s 0-1 loss to hosts Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan and submitted that they were better tactically.

Mr Ogenyi, while reflecting to the rescheduled 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League match day 15 game at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, noted that Rivers United were impressive during the game.

“My players came for the game with a mature tactical game plan. While a certain percentage of respect must be given to the home team, we were technically and tactically better right from the first half of the game,” he said.

The 3SC won the match 1-0, after a penalty kick scored by team captain Taofeek Malomo in first half added time.

“We wanted to first soak the pressure from them and go out on counter-attacks because we are taking into account how 3SC played their last game against Enyimba International FC.

“It was just unfortunate that we lost by a penalty kick,” Mr Ogenyi added.

Speaking also on the match, 3SC head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, said his team gave their best within the game’s rules to secure the needed three points.

“We played against one of the best teams in the country and who are currently playing on the continental level,” he said.

Mr Ogunbote however said it was wrong for people to say his team struggled to win the match.

He said, “We did not struggle during the match as many people think. We only adjusted our mode of play because Rivers United also changed their formation. They cut off the midfield and all we needed to do was to protect the one goal we had within the confines of the rules and regulations of the game.’’

(NAN)